Time trial champion Dowsett makes it a high five, while it's a double for Simmonds in Stockton

Dowsett was the red-hot favourite for the men’s title in Stockton – and he didn’t disappoint the Teesside crowd.

The Movistar rider dominated against his rivals, winning by over a minute in a time of 55:38.523, even affording himself time to celebrate as he crossed the line.

Alex Dowsett on his way to victory. Photo: Matt Westcott

Second place went to Pedal Heaven’s James Gullen in 56:54832 with Ryan Perry of Langdale Lightweights Racing Team in third.

Talking about his record-breaking feat, Dowsett said: "It's a nice habit to have, it's one of my better ones.

"Last year, the gap to second was a lot bigger, so I might have to watch out for the next couple of years."

Dowsett said he hadn't initially been a little unsure about the circuit in the build up, but soon changed his mind when he got on his bike.

"I am not going to lie, I was a bit dubious about it," he said. "The town centre looked like a crit circuit on the map and I was worried about catching riders and getting held up. But it was super safe and the atmosphere was great - time trialling really needs more circuits like this because it really was a pleasure to ride."

Stockton's Josh Teasdale, who had been in the top three at one point, eventually finished 13th.

Hayley Simmonds waits for the signal to leave the start ramp Photo: Matt Westcott

In the women’s race, as reigning champion, 27-year-old Hayley Simmonds was last to set off in a field which included illustrious names such as Emma Pooley and Dame Sarah Storey.

Podium Ambition’s Claire Rose set a formidable time of 48:06.315 and her team-mate, Dame Sarah Storey then posted a time of 48:12.465 to move into then-second, with returning former champion Pooley one place further down in 48:33.455.

Hayley Simmonds celebrates with her mother Karen Photo: Matt Westcott

That left just Aerocoach rider Simmonds to go and she blew away her opposition to take the title by more than 40 seconds, crossing the line in 47:33.357.

"It's more special second time around. This year, Emma was coming back and Claire was riding full time this year. Claire is always a big threat," she said.

"I had a few time checks but it was hard to hear what was going on. Someone I know was on the middle roundabout of the three as I was coming back towards town and I heard him yell "you're up" but I wasn't sure if he meant I was up against Emma or up against Claire, I didn't know what was going on!"

In the under-23 men’s race, Scott Davies claimed a historic third consecutive time trial title.

The Team Wiggins rider held off a strong challenge from Axeon Hagens Berman CT’s Tao Geoghegan Hart and 100% ME’s Gabriel Cullaigh to claim the national champion’s jersey in a time of 44:10:43.